Tag Archives: team

Teamwork

04 Thursday Oct 2018

Posted by in 21st century learning

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , ,

Everyone agrees that the rate of change in our world is faster than it has ever been. We notice it in every aspect of our lives. Schools may feel it more than other places. As things are rapidly shifting, one of the things we hear more about is the importance of “soft skills.” These are not quantifiable and typically not part of a school’s evaluation system. However, they are important when setting the stage for a student’s future.

One of those skills is teamwork. How effectively can a student work with one or more others to set a goal, do meaningful work and meet a deadline? We’ve all been in groups where some members participate more fully than others. We know the frustration in doing more than our fair share and we know the wonder when everything clicks and everyone is working together toward a shared goal. Continue reading →

Here we go Steelers

14 Thursday Jan 2016

Posted by in Uncategorized, Wilmington Montessori School

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , ,

 

steelersI am a huge…unbelievably huge…fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers. I grew up in the days of the Steel Curtain, when Terry Bradshaw was a star quarterback and not a game day commentator, when the original immaculate reception occurred and the Terrible Towel  was first waved. There are those readers who may think less of me for my love of the Steeler Nation and those who may join me. All I know is that for my family, friends, school and town the Steelers were, and continue to be, all important.

When I find myself in situations in which football is the center of the conversation, I am proud of my home team and eager to say I support them. Even when things aren’t going as well as I would like (and after I’ve yelled at them from the safety of my home) or when a new player comes on board who just isn’t doing his job, I continue to be their fan and want them to do the best they can to win the game, the playoff, the Super Bowl. And I might add that they’ve won the most Super Bowls of any team in history. But I digress.

What does this have to do with education? With WMS? With children? What does it mean to be a part of our team? Who is our team?

We are team WMS. We are proud to be a part of such a wonderful school doing such remarkable things. This past week students and parents were invited into our Elementary Maker Studio for a Maker Morning. Those who visited learned about circuits and programming and drawing and creating. Parents were happy to be a part of their child’s school experience, and their children were delighted to share their world. At the same time, parents work hard to support the school through the parent co-op, baking for and running  our events, making copies, working in our gardens, helping out in the classrooms, and cheerfully asking what is needed and how they might help. Parents ask thoughtful questions that serve to make us better.

We are a team and are all a critical part of WMS. Each and every one of us is important. Without each other we cannot do what we do best – support children in their growth and learning. We don’t need a Steel Curtain or a star quarterback because each one of us is the glue that keeps our team together and helps our school thrive.

Thank you for being a part of WMS.

Montessori Marathoners – Growing and Learning as a Team

13 Wednesday May 2015

Posted by in community service, Montessori Education, Wilmington Montessori School

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , , ,

marathon group

The 12th annual Delaware Marathon Running Festival was held in Wilmington this past weekend. On Saturday, many of our students kicked off the running festival by participating in the 1.2-mile GYMM (“Get Our Youth Moving Marathon”) Run/Walk. On Sunday, WMS had seven eight-person relay teams comprised of parents, staff, current students, alumni and other friends. By running a little more than 5K each, the teams of eight ran the equivalent of a marathon – 26.2 miles!

Our runners came together to try for their best time, to run alongside children so they could participate, or just to be a part of the group. It was a glorious day. Cheering and encouragement were offered to everyone who ran by our tent. It didn’t matter who they were, how fast they ran, if they were running a leg of a relay, a half marathon or the entire race. What mattered is that they were working toward the goal of making it to the finish line.

It reminded me of what school should be like for each child, no matter who they are. The goal of education is to provide the parameters and lay out the course. There is more than one goal; there are multiple paths toward the goal and each child reaches it in his or her own way. What matters is the willingness to try, the effort given and the support offered along the way.

Visiting a WMS classroom reminds us of this. Children have the structure and predictability of the day laid out for them but each child is on his or her own path. The goal is learning and growing; the joy is in being a part of this team and in an environment that supports each of us as we embrace the discovery and wonder of the process.

jacobruns